Schweisshund Training

Welcome to our page dedicated to training dogs for deer. It is designed to give anyone with an interest in working and training their dog, whatever the breed the ability to learn how to successfully follow and track wounded large game such as Deer or Wild Boar an opportunity to train their dogs to from novice to a level of competence, and hopefully working to achieve the tracking qualifications of Schweisshund I & IIWHAT IS SCHWEISSHUND TRACKING AND TRAINING?Roughly translated Schweisshund (scent dog) work is the location of large wounded game where the dog follows a ground blood/spore scent over a variety of terrains and situations. To train a dog to do this just requires the know how and the commitment to regular training. Our training programmes are strongly based on the European standards and tests where this work originates from, but designed for use in the U.K. where hunting is carried out differently and both the public and emergency services are behind in their outlook in animal welfare where an injured animal, whatever the cause. should be followed up and dispatched as quickly as possible. Hopefully this will change in the future, when we will then modify our training modules accordingly.

We have successfully been involved in Schweisshund Training and Testing as an organisation longer than any other, and many of the dogs and hounds trained with us have gone on to be some of the best.TRAINING DAYS & COURSESAt present we have six training venues in the U.K., and there are are currently two options available open to any breed:

Introduction to Schweisshund Training CourseThese are a one day event where the candidate, no matter what experience can come along with or without a dog to gain an insight and increase their knowledge of how to train their dog to track wounded deer or boar. There is a mixture of classroom presentations and practical work in the forest where the handler will learn all the basic skills required to train their dog for scent work. Topics covered include; choice of breed, equipment, early training, laying tracks, collecting and keeping blood, working a track, reporting and much more.

Training DaysThese are informal days that take part in the forest. They are designed for the handler that has attended a Schweisshund Training Course and wishes to develop both their skills and that of their dogs, with an aim to reach a standard that they can complete one of the Tracking Tests shown below. From April 1st 2015 the cost of a day for each hound/dog and handler or spectator is £13.00 for BMHS members, £15.50 for B.A.S.C. members and £18.00 for non-members.For more information about these events and to register your interest please contact your nearest training officer shown at the bottom of this page or check our EVENTS page here or on Facebook.

Please note that due to the popularity of these days places are secured on a first come first serve basis.Entry is only by pre-booking with payment using our online booking system. Any cancellations cannot be refunded. Please see the location maps below for your nearest training area.

The system will not allow you to book more than 30 days in advance of any event.

Entries will close 7 days before each event.

If you cannot book it is because the system locks out when a training location is fully subscribed.

You can either choose another location or check the events page for the next available date at the location you have chosen.

​TRACKING TESTSOne of the goals of the BMH Society of GB from the very beginning was to establish tracking tests as in Europe. We have worked from the tracking test rules from the continent as a basis and have had to have the rules translated and proofed to make them workable here in the U.K.

The purposes of the Tracking Tests are ultimately to preserve and encourage the natural abilities that for which our hounds came into being. The Tests are open to al K.C. and F.C.I. registered dogs with expectations of HPR’s and BMH’s being most numerous in tests. We have had other breed owners in contact wishing to take part in the Tests, Cesky Terriers, Curly Coated Retrievers and the Bassett Fauve de Bretagne to name a few. The tests are run as a test not a competition, so any amount of dogs can pass or fail on the day.

The society currently offers TWO levels of tracking test:

BMHS SCHWEISSHUND LEVEL 1 TESTThe Schweisshund Level 1 Test is to replicate the path that a recently wounded deer or boar has run using various terrains as available.

Length of track 400 metres incorporating two 90 degree turns

Aged 3-5 hours

Track laid using tracking shoes or tracking iron and 100ml of blood from a recommended blood bottle

Obedience

Optional 200 metre Reporting Test

Cost: Members £40.00, £50.00 for B.A.S.C. members, non-members £60.00

BMHS SCHWEISSHUND LEVEL 2 TESTThe Schwiesshund Level 2 Test is to replicate the path that a recently wounded deer or boar has run using various terrains as available

Length of track 1000 meteres

Incorporating two 90 degree turns, two wound beds and one 20 metre track back

Aged 16-24 Hours

Track laid using tracking shoes and 100ml of blood from a recommended blood bottle

Obedience and gun steadiness

Optional 300 metre Reporting Test, incorporating a 90 degree turn and a further 100ml of blood.

Compete details of both Schweisshund Level 1 and Schweisshund Level 2 Tests can be found in the 'Bavarian Mountain Hound Society Schweisshund Tests Booklet' that is available for purchase at the cost of £5.50 inc. postage and packing. If you would like to purchase a copy of the booklet, please email: Steve Coles